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the lonely side of living abroad

Something they probably don’t talk about much when you go abroad is now entirely lonely it can be.

I made friends at work and we’d go out often after work for drinks. But the weekends weren’t a time for coworkers to get together and hang, that’s what the week is for when you’re all centrally located. No, the weekends are for family, loved ones, and old friends (Australians have a very close “mate” system where many people have close groups of friends dating back from high school or earlier).

It’s nothing personal. Just most people spend time with their “clique” of friends on the weekend and it’s very hard to become a part of that close knit group.

I think that’s what makes me slightly afraid about moving abroad again. What if it’s the same thing again? I can’t resort back to how I spent my weekend time in Australia. I’d go on dates every weekend so I had someone to hang out and explore the city with. If I didn’t have a date, I’d either chill in my apartment the whole day binge watching Netflix and reading or I’d run errands and chill on the beach with a book.

Don’t get me wrong, I enjoy my alone time. But I think I had a little too much of it when I was living in Australia. Wasn’t healthy.

Also, I’m not saying that Australians are bad people or friends. Cause they aren’t. I met some amazing people that I still keep in touch with to this day.

But I do need to find better ways to meet people. Maybe volunteering? Or the gym or yoga class? Well if any of you have any thoughts or suggestions, I’d greatly appreciate it before I go abroad again.